Guwahati, 22 October (HS): The 10th Chalachitram National Film Festival, organised by Chalachitram, an associate organisation of Vishwa Samvad Kendra, will be held on October 24 and 25 at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio Complex in Kahilipara, Guwahati. A total of 45 short films will be screened under competitive and non-competitive categories during the two-day festival, Chalachitram president Nava Thakuria and secretary Bhagwat Pritam said.

The festival is expected to provide a unique platform for film enthusiasts, critics, producers and directors from eastern India. Films inspired by the spirit of Indian nationalism and reflecting respect for India's thousands of years of civilisation, culture and heritage will be among the major attractions. The central theme of this year's festival is “Our Heritage, Our Pride”.

National Award-winning filmmaker Dr Santwana Bardoloi will inaugurate the festival at 11 am on October 24. A jury comprising artists, film critics and filmmakers has selected the winning films in eight categories. The winners will be felicitated with trophies, certificates and cash prizes in the presence of distinguished personalities from the film industry and cinema enthusiasts.

The concluding ceremony, scheduled for the afternoon of October 25, will be attended by Assam Cabinet Minister Nilima Devi, along with several other eminent personalities.

As part of the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the festival will also screen “Bhupen Da Uncut”, a film directed by film personality Babita Sharma, as a tribute to the legendary artiste.

A souvenir titled “Chalachitram”, edited by senior film journalist Hemchandra Doley, will also be released during the festival.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash